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Comic book writer Hanif Azhar to join BJP

Vishal Kant, New Delhi, Oct 7, 2013, DH News Service :

Attempt by saffron party to woo minorities

In order to woo Muslims ahead of the Assembly polls and give boost to image of their poster boy Narendra Modi, Delhi BJP is all set to formally induct well-known comics writer Hanif Azhar into the party on Tuesday.

Azhar has written famous comics like Nagraj, Shaktiman, Ram-Rahim and Goga among others. Azhar is also the script writer of famous TV serial Tarak Mehta ka Ulta Chasma. Party insiders said Azhar is likely to join the party on Tuesday in attendance of senior party leaders.

According to a senior party leader, induction of Azhar would serve dual purpose – improving party’s image within the minority community and trying to connect with the voters who have grown reading several famous comics written by Azhar.

BJP leader said they are in no mood to go defensive as far as criticism of Narendra Modi is concerned, and one way of countering such criticisms is roping in more and more members of the minority community to support the party.

“There is no point going on the defensive. We would seek support of minority community in the name of Modi. His development work is for all to see. That is his USP which would attract all,” said a BJP leader.

Sources said Azhar belongs to the Banjara community amongst the Muslims, which has a sizeable population of around 1 lakh in the city. “This will help the party in garnering support within the Banjara community,” a party leader said.

The move comes within two and half months after the party had to face embarrassment after Delhi BJP vice-president and well-known theatre personality Aamir Raza Husain resigned from the party post after criticising Narendra Modi on television.

The Padma Shri awardee had criticised Modi's 'puppy' remark stating that Modi’s statements on puppy and burqa were despicable, divisive and can never draw support from Muslims.